Round Up: White Noise Machines

Shortly after I got married, I had a life-changing event. We got a fan in the bedroom, and welcomed in blissful hours of uninterrupted sleep as it gently faded out the sounds of sirens and the like. Unfortunately, that's just about the time that we noticed our energy bill sky-rocketing. So, we explored a few alternatives to the calm whirring of the fan.

While I still tend to prefer the sound of a fan, white noise machines do have another bonus aside from the one on your electric bill: they're portable! Try stuffing your favorite fan in your bag for a spontaneous getaway...

Available at Target for under $30. It has six sound options, adjustable volume, and an optional timer set a t 15, 30, and 60 minute increments. The waterfall/white noise option is my favorite, although occasionally I notice a soft buzzing in the background that can be distracting, but I tend to be a very sensitive sleeper. Another caution: STAY AWAY from the "heartbeat" option...unless you find the creepy noises of horror suspense films conducive to a a good night's sleep.

Available from amazon for around $50, this machine has a very consistent and soothing sounding white noise. The down side is that it only has two noise levels, but I find both to be perfect, neither too loud or too soft. There is also not a timer option.

At $70, it may be a bit pricey for most. Similar to HomeMedic's option, this one has six sound options and a timer. However it also boasts an option that allows you to gradually slowdown the noise over a period of 20 minutes, which allegedly promotes healthy sleep in infants, according to Brookstone. The "car ride" and "white noise" sound options are the most consistent and soothing in my opinion.